Ellen Kurtz Interiorshttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com
Thu, 01 Mar 2018 04:20:26 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Wildwood Bathroom Design Draws Inspiration From Naturehttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/news/wildwood-bathroom-design-draws-inspiration-nature/
Thu, 01 Mar 2018 04:20:26 +0000https://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3908Sometimes inspiration strikes in unusual ways. We have a wily woodchuck to thank for this bathroom remodel in a Wildwood home (wily woodchuck in Wildwood — say that five times fast). While our client were out of town, a woodchuck somehow found his way into their home. Luckily, their son was home and able to shoo the critter out before he destroyed the entire house! Still, in his frantic attempt to escape the master bedroom, our woodland friend managed to chew up some window sills and woodwork. The pressing need Continue Reading

]]>Sometimes inspiration strikes in unusual ways. We have a wily woodchuck to thank for this bathroom remodel in a Wildwood home (wily woodchuck in Wildwood — say that five times fast).

While our client were out of town, a woodchuck somehow found his way into their home. Luckily, their son was home and able to shoo the critter out before he destroyed the entire house!

Still, in his frantic attempt to escape the master bedroom, our woodland friend managed to chew up some window sills and woodwork.

The pressing need to replace the window in question led to the decision to expand the master bathroom by taking roughly 3.5 feet out of the master bedroom.

And since we were already launching into a drywall renovation project, our clients decided to take this as an opportunity to remodel their entire bath!

The home is nestled in a wooded area - hence the woodchuck. We used the natural surroundings as our design inspiration.

We wanted a timeless look inspired by nature, but with a modern feel. That may sound like an oxymoron, but I think what we accomplished here is a bathroom that suits the home and its owners’ lifestyle.

By expanding the bathroom we were able to move the shower and enlarge it, and also create a separate toilet room.

The shower now has a window to bring in natural light, a seat and plenty of storage to keep products hidden away. We were also able to add a bigger closet.

To bring our “outdoors-in” look to life, we used knotty alder cabinets. You can see how the cabinetry helps pull out the warmer tones in the slate-looking floor tile (slate can be rather high maintenance so we went with a look-alike here).

For a rustic touch, we included a barn door that pairs well with the cabinets and helps draw the eye across the space.

The wall tile also provides a faux-wood look, but the clean lines keep the look modern.

A Cambria countertop further complements the floor.

Stainless steel sink bowls provide contrast and update the space. We accomplish the same with the minimalist tub and its sleek wall-mount fixtures.

]]>Staging is the Key to Competing in a Luxury Real Estate Markethttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/news/staging-key-competing-luxury-real-estate-market/
Fri, 09 Feb 2018 22:28:51 +0000https://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3888Anniversaries give us the opportunity to reflect on the passage of time and consider our achievements — and we are certainly feeling nostalgic here at Ellen Kurtz Interiors. It’s been just over a year since we launched Staged By Design, the natural outgrowth of our interior design business. Dipping into the world of luxury staging has been an exciting adventure for us. Staging has allowed us to stretch and strengthen our creative muscles in new ways, and has quite literally opened new doors for our company. We feel blessed to Continue Reading

]]>Anniversaries give us the opportunity to reflect on the passage of time and consider our achievements — and we are certainly feeling nostalgic here at Ellen Kurtz Interiors.

It’s been just over a year since we launched Staged By Design, the natural outgrowth of our interior design business.

Dipping into the world of luxury staging has been an exciting adventure for us. Staging has allowed us to stretch and strengthen our creative muscles in new ways, and has quite literally opened new doors for our company.

We feel blessed to have had the opportunity to help so many people sell their homes. There is nothing quite so lovely as realizing you have helped buyers fall in love with just the right new home or workspace.

Which leads me to this:

I never expected this enterprise to be quite so meaningful for our clients - both the sellers and the buyers.

As an interior designer, I know better than most the significance of one’s surroundings to their sense of well-being. But until we began staging properties, I suppose I didn’t truly fathom the level of uncertainty, energy and thought that goes into buying a high end property.

What I’ve learned since we entered into this venture is that a beautifully-staged property offers something the buyer desperately needs - a tangible representation of the space and all it could be. That alone eliminates a world of fears.

There may be a misconception out there that luxury living can sell itself. In reality, the opposite is true.

High end buyers are searching for high end interiors, and not all have the vision, time or energy to see what could be.

Let me elaborate.

Luxury touches will elevate your space.

As we’ve said previously — empty spaces and seller’s furnishings are no longer enough to close a deal on a high-end property.

The luxury buyer has a lot to pick from, so you need to make sure you are showing your space in a way that shows its’ true potential.

You want the property to ooze quality, standing out from others they have visited. Beautiful architecture alone won’t give you that edge over the competition.

This means choosing design elements that highlight the assets of a space. Maybe you want to draw a visitors eyes to the coffered ceilings, or highlight the craftsmanship of custom millwork.

Not all stagers do this type of work because we must have access to the necessary industry contacts in order to acquire the high-end furnishings and artwork that provide that certain je ne sais quoi.

We are fortunate to have these types of connections, and as a result, can provide the very best for our clients in this niche market.

An empty property feels just that - empty.

As with any property, the best path to a For Sale sign is giving the buyer a taste of what it would be like to live there, their way.

That last part is important because we are dealing with buyers of discriminating tastes.

We want to understand who the typical buyer is for a particular neighborhood or community. We then choose our design elements with that buyer in mind. But it’s a delicate balance between appealing to a certain type of buyer and keeping the design neutral enough so we don’t turn anyone away.

That requires a special touch, which an experienced designer will have developed over time. That’s why you definitely want to hire someone who focuses on this type of staging. It is more of an art than a science.

It will sell faster and at a higher price

There’s very little debate on this point — staging a property will get it sold faster and at a higher price.

Sure, there are costs associated with it — but people need to think of it as an investment that will pay off for brokers and sellers in the long run. You are minimizing any carrying costs for keeping the property on the market and warding off price reductions.

Bottom line: While staging may be considered optional in some real estate markets, it is a given when you are dealing with luxury homes.

Choosing a company who truly cares about design, and the clients, is just important. Call Ellen Kurtz Interiors today for an appointment.

]]>Bathroom Design Solutions Overcome Roadblockshttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/news/creative-bathroom-design-solutions-overcome-roadblocks/
Thu, 18 Jan 2018 16:28:26 +0000https://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3847It's inevitable to encounter a few roadblocks while developing a design plan, particularly when you're working on a bathroom. Some designers are quick to steer around the problem, even if that means sacrificing their client’s vision for the space. We, on the other hand, enjoy a good challenge and want to tackle it head-on, so we can make sure our clients get exactly what they want. Sometimes that calls for a little creative problem solving. This high-rise apartment project is a perfect example. Our client wanted a fresh, new look Continue Reading

It's inevitable to encounter a few roadblocks while developing a design plan, particularly when you're working on a bathroom.

Some designers are quick to steer around the problem, even if that means sacrificing their client’s vision for the space.

We, on the other hand, enjoy a good challenge and want to tackle it head-on, so we can make sure our clients get exactly what they want. Sometimes that calls for a little creative problem solving.

This high-rise apartment project is a perfect example. Our client wanted a fresh, new look in the master and guest bathrooms.

The client wanted to replace the tired, outdated fixtures and tile in each bathroom with a classic feel that would stand the test of time. She also wanted something low maintenance. The goal was to bring in lighter colors and new tile. The problem? The existing tile was buried in concrete.

Master bathroom tub into shower.

Our solution was to install the new tile atop the old tile. In each bathroom, we chose a porcelain tile from Prosource of St. Louis that resembles Carrara marble (but is more durable!).

It created a classic look but introduced a new puzzle — we had to figure out how to install mirrors over the sinks despite the narrow ledge that now ran around the rooms where the tile met the wall.

We resolved that issue by using pivot mirrors from Gatco. Problem solved and we were able to keep with that classic, timeless feel.

We added new lighting from Murray Feiss in both bathrooms. A solid white onyx shower pan and countertops kept things sleek and low maintenance. We went with frameless shower doors to further accentuate that open feel. And in the guest bath, we used a pivot door so one can shower or bathe with ease.

Guest bathroom.

We were pleased we were able to troubleshoot this project and deliver on our promise of always putting the client’s vision first.

]]>Bath Remodel Bucks The Gray Trendhttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/news/traditional-bath-remodel-bucks-gray-trend/
Fri, 15 Dec 2017 15:59:56 +0000https://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3830Gray and white palettes have been running the show lately in design, particularly when it comes to bathrooms. So it was refreshing when our clients told us they wanted their bathroom remodel to stray from that trend. Their vision for their new bath was one of earthy tones and a traditional style that matched the rest of their Chesterfield home. But this remodel was no simple change of color and tile. We first set about completely revising the entire floor plan. We created a separate room for the toilet and Continue Reading

So it was refreshing when our clients told us they wanted their bathroom remodel to stray from that trend.

Their vision for their new bath was one of earthy tones and a traditional style that matched the rest of their Chesterfield home.

But this remodel was no simple change of color and tile.

We first set about completely revising the entire floor plan.

We created a separate room for the toilet and an specific area for the vanity.

Then we expanded the size of the shower to a luxurious five foot by five foot space.

Our contractors removed the existing tub, deck and step, along with the outdated columns. In their place, we installed a freestanding tub on a bed of pebble tile floor. We used the same pebble tile floor in the shower.

We chose earthy tile from ProSource throughout the room, and traditional light fixtures and mirrors from Metro Lighting to complete the room.

The result is an updated bath that is relaxing, spacious and well-suited to the rest of the home.

]]>Designing A Spa Atmosphere in a Home Bathhttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/uncategorized/designing-spa-atmosphere-home-bath/
Mon, 20 Nov 2017 02:25:29 +0000https://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3797We love when we get the opportunity to give our clients a space they’ve dreamed about for years. This particular couple had always longed for the luxurious kind of bathroom that felt like a spa – an escape from reality where they could relax and unwind. They wanted to feel serene just by being in the space. Their existing bathroom was attractive, but never quite lived up to the room they envisioned. We were confident we could create the transformation they needed. After an initial consultation, we decided on a Continue Reading

We love when we get the opportunity to give our clients a space they’ve dreamed about for years.

This particular couple had always longed for the luxurious kind of bathroom that felt like a spa – an escape from reality where they could relax and unwind.

They wanted to feel serene just by being in the space.

Their existing bathroom was attractive, but never quite lived up to the room they envisioned. We were confident we could create the transformation they needed.

After an initial consultation, we decided on a full remodel of the bathroom.

We worked with the existing floor plan, but removed the wall surrounding the shower to open up the space.

Because we wanted them to feel as though they had their very own spa, we introduced clean lines, tranquil colors and modern, stream-lined touches.

The original tile, while fairly neutral, blanketed the floor, wrapped around the tub and surrounded the inside of the shower. The shower itself was closed off from the rest of the room, with an arched opening that gave it the air of a cave-like grotto.

With the new all-glass, walk-in shower, we captured the feel of an infinity pool – a seamless space with no boundaries.

For practical purposes, the shower actually provides more room for showering, while seemingly taking up less space. You can call it an optical illusion; we call it a win-win.

The shower also now flows to the bath in a very natural way. Crisp, clean lines define the space, instead of heavy materials. The clients decided to replace the corner jacuzzi tub with a rectangular air tub.

Switching to the rectangular tub opened up more floor space the air tub model allows for the use of products (something that was not possible with the jacuzzi jets).

ProSource of St. Louis provided the tile and countertops. Notice how the veining of the new tile provides movement and draws its color inspiration from nature.

We refreshed the existing cabinetry with new paint, Sherwin-Williams Amazing Gray (SW7044), which pairs nicely with the soft, comforting color on the walls: Sherwin-Williams’ appropriately-named Comfort Gray (SW6205) .

The Murray Feiss lighting enhances the room with wall sconces flanking two vertical mirrors and hanging above the vanity. The pendant light, also from Murray Feiss, adds just a hint of whimsy from across the room.

Ellen Kurtz Interiors is thrilled that we were able to give these homeowners the spa-like atmosphere they dreamed of.

]]>Updated Fireplace Makes Wow Statement In Room Designhttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/news/updated-fireplace-makes-wow-statement-in-room-design/
Wed, 04 Oct 2017 18:58:05 +0000http://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3595Before remodel of the fireplace. Sometimes, all it takes is one element to truly elevate a design. Likewise, one outdated or unsightly piece can quickly muddy an otherwise spectacular room. Here's a perfect example. While this fireplace was once an eye-catching element in this room, the green marble had long since become outdated. As we began our remodel, it became more and more obvious that this feature was just not going to work with our vision for the space. It just didn't speak to today’s style. We knew we could Continue Reading

Sometimes, all it takes is one element to truly elevate a design. Likewise, one outdated or unsightly piece can quickly muddy an otherwise spectacular room.

Here's a perfect example.

While this fireplace was once an eye-catching element in this room, the green marble had long since become outdated. As we began our remodel, it became more and more obvious that this feature was just not going to work with our vision for the space.

It just didn't speak to today’s style.

We knew we could achieve a completely new, contemporary look for the room just by updating the fireplace alone.

It would be no small task — we’d have to remove all of that green marble. But we were confident that it would be worth the effort.

The contractor we were working with chose to go over the top with Durock and tile. It was a great choice — the results are stunning. The fireplace is roughly 7 feet wide and 16 feet tall. It doesn’t crowd the room, but in fact, makes the space feel bigger.

After remodel of the fireplace.

With no mantle for display items, the fireplace itself is the focal point — and now that it suits the remodeled space, that's a very good thing.

We added the contemporary sculptures for just a touch of visual interest. The niche to the left of the fireplace also offers opportunities to display artwork.

The redesign of the fireplace perfectly compliments the maple floors and stainless steel accents. The completed look is so fresh and contemporary, no visitor would ever guess it was once outdated.

]]>Staging A Traditional Homehttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/staged-by-design/staging-a-traditional-home/
Fri, 15 Sep 2017 01:18:00 +0000http://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3535For years now, the interior design world has been infatuated with terms like "vintage," and "retro." Antique furnishings and accessories have always, and likely, will always be a favored element in high-end design. Whether you're a designer or a consumer, it is often more rewarding to discover that perfect piece in an antique or vintage shop than to simply order one online from a retailer or manufacturer. Perhaps there's a bit of a treasure hunt element to it all. There's just something about imagining the history of the piece - Continue Reading

]]>For years now, the interior design world has been infatuated with terms like "vintage," and "retro." Antique furnishings and accessories have always, and likely, will always be a favored element in high-end design.

Whether you're a designer or a consumer, it is often more rewarding to discover that perfect piece in an antique or vintage shop than to simply order one online from a retailer or manufacturer. Perhaps there's a bit of a treasure hunt element to it all.

There's just something about imagining the history of the piece - where it was made and where it was used. It's fun to envision the memories made by the previous owners.

]]>Navy and Cream Make for Sophisticated, Classic New Home Designhttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/news/navy-and-cream-make-for-sophisticated-classic-new-home-design/
Wed, 12 Jul 2017 20:58:03 +0000http://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3508It's been a busy season here at Ellen Kurtz Interiors, and we are loving our dual roles as interior designers and real estate staging designers! The two roles are so well-aligned, sometimes they cross over! In of our most recent staging projects, we were hired to work on a new construction display home in the Mosley Grove community in Creve Coeur. These gorgeous homes are built by Benton Homebuilders. Another designer had already selected the construction elements of the home, such as the cabinets, counter tops, flooring and tile. They Continue Reading

]]>It's been a busy season here at Ellen Kurtz Interiors, and we are loving our dual roles as interior designers and real estate staging designers!

The two roles are so well-aligned, sometimes they cross over!

In of our most recent staging projects, we were hired to work on a new construction display home in the Mosley Grove community in Creve Coeur. These gorgeous homes are built by Benton Homebuilders.

Another designer had already selected the construction elements of the home, such as the cabinets, counter tops, flooring and tile.

They needed Ellen Kurtz Interiors to make the space look like a home.

Realtors will attest that potential buyers are far more likely to make an offer on a home that is well-furnished and decorated.

For this new, modern home, I chose a color palette of navy, taupe and cream. This color combination is very on-trend, but not necessarily "trendy." Navy is a color that doesn't go out of style.

We chose a new area rug, pillows, bedding, art work and accent furniture, all with this sophisticated color theme in mind.

When we stage a home, we recognize that we are not working for one particular client and his or her taste. We are, instead, designing a space that will appeal to the many potential buyers who will see the home.

For this reason, we design in the transitional style that appeals to a broad audience.

We're still adding a few touches to this project, including window treatments in the bedroom. But we were just too excited to share the photos of this beautiful new home.

]]>Staging Elevates Clayton Home into Real Estate Jewelhttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/news/staging-elevates-clayton-home-into-real-estate-jewel/
Mon, 17 Apr 2017 02:43:51 +0000http://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3468When the realtor approached us about staging this home, we were excited to show how our design expertise could elevate the property in the eyes of potential buyers. While this three-bedroom, four-bath brick home in Clayton has many stunning features, sometimes a little polish can make even the most beautiful jewel shine even brighter. The homeowners, two busy doctors, didn’t have a lot of furniture or décor of their own. That’s one of the reasons the realtor hoped Ellen Kurtz Interiors could bring a sophisticated designer’s touch to the space. Continue Reading

]]>When the realtor approached us about staging this home, we were excited to show how our design expertise could elevate the property in the eyes of potential buyers.

While this three-bedroom, four-bath brick home in Clayton has many stunning features, sometimes a little polish can make even the most beautiful jewel shine even brighter.

The homeowners, two busy doctors, didn’t have a lot of furniture or décor of their own. That’s one of the reasons the realtor hoped Ellen Kurtz Interiors could bring a sophisticated designer’s touch to the space.

Seasoned luxury realtors understand that buyers have a difficult time envisioning themselves living in a space if it is not furnished and decorated to its’ full potential.

At 7714 Walinca Terrace, we brought in high-end furniture, artwork and accessories to elevate the home’s existing style and design. We also incorporated and rearranged some of the homeowners’ existing pieces.

We chose neutral pieces that complemented the open floor plans and took advantage of the over-sized great room, spacious master suite and 10-foot ceilings.

The home is located on Wydown Boulevard, heralded at one of the 10 most beautiful streets in the country. A property on this street should be – and now is – gorgeous and sophisticated down to every detail.

]]>Condo Design Highlights Curves in Unique Floor Planhttps://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/uncategorized/condo-design-highlights-curves-in-unique-floor-plan/
Thu, 16 Mar 2017 23:49:07 +0000http://ellenkurtzinteriors.com/?p=3455Last month, the Ladue News featured an Ellen Kurtz Interiors project - a design we created at The Crescent Condos in Clayton. The design of this condo is different from some of the others in the complex, so the floor plan is unique. This meant I had to think outside the box when it came to maximizing function and choosing furniture. I was inspired by the large curved window that leads onto the terrace, and let that shape guide me in the design of the main living space. We chose Continue Reading

Last month, the Ladue News featured an Ellen Kurtz Interiors project - a design we created at The Crescent Condos in Clayton.

The design of this condo is different from some of the others in the complex, so the floor plan is unique. This meant I had to think outside the box when it came to maximizing function and choosing furniture.

I was inspired by the large curved window that leads onto the terrace, and let that shape guide me in the design of the main living space. We chose a round table, a circular area rug and even found a curved sofa that allowed for the maximum amount of seating.

My clients are avid art collectors, so the black and white color scheme worked well to highlight the pops of color in their art. I also installed LED lighting and built-in shelving to showcase their collection.

A baby grand piano and onyx fireplace add touches of indulgent elegance to the room. The overall design is modern, sleek and ideal for the clients' lifestyle and artistic nature.

"When faced with a unique floor plan, Ellen Kurtz of Ellen Kurtz Interiors got to work making this living space in The Crescent Condos in Clayton a perfect space for her clients’ busy lifestyle," wrote Robyn Dexter of the Ladue News.

Thanks to Robyn for featuring the space and to Ryan Archer for capturing gorgeous photos of the design.